Alchemy Live!

Alchemy Live were formed in 2020 by lifelong Dire Straits fans Martin Ledger and Neil Scott. Having dreamed of starting a Dire Straits tribute band for many years, but neither having the time to do it due to both being busy full-time musicians, the COVID pandemic and resultant lockdowns gave them that time in abundance. Rehearsals started in 2021 after the worst of the pandemic was over and their first show was scheduled in York for Friday, May 13 2022 (what could possibly go wrong)? Much to the band’s surprise, their inaugural show quickly sold out and many without tickets were turned away at the door. Further sell out shows followed around Yorkshire during the year and in January 2023 the band made their move into theatre shows. Front man Martin Ledger said: “It has always been the ethos to concentrate on getting the music and sound right rather than just putting on headbands and shiny jackets. Dire Straits themselves were always about the music first and we are fully committed to upholding that.” Every song choice is taken from a specific, classic live performance in Dire Straits’ history, for example the show’s opening song Money For Nothing is taken from their legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985 and played note for note, except for the part where guest artist Sting sings the wrong words in the second verse! Such attention to detail is carried on throughout the band’s tribute show, with every nuance of Mark Knopfler’s playing technique faithfully followed. “He has t